Q&A for How to Shoot a Three Pointer

Make sure you're stepping into your jump shot with your knees a little more bent than usual, which will give you the power to get off the ground. Other than that, just practice the technique as much as you can and approach the shot with confidence.

Stephen Curry is the best 3-point shooter of all time, with a career average of 43.5%.

The Corner 3 is one of the easiest, and it also tends to be more accurate than 3-pointers from other spots on the arc.

Many of the best players in the NBA have an average of around 40% or a little over, so 40% would be an excellent 3-point percentage.

One mistake that basketball players make is that they jump forward when they shoot, which puts them off balance. When shooting a three pointer (or any time), jump up instead of forward.

Not necessarily. Observe Stephen Curry. He barely leaves the floor on his shot, it's part of what allows him to fire away late in the 4th quarter as he still has his legs under him (trust me, it's exceedingly difficult to bury 3's if your legs are exhausted).

When jumping, make sure your dominant foot (i.e. the foot in front) is aligned with the basket. As for shooting, keep your arm straight and flick your wrist (follow through) after the ball leaves your hand. Most importantly, practice.

It should not hit the backboard unless you want it to. Your shot should be smooth, one motion, and most importantly get the muscle memory down. More practice, more points.

Learn some basic ball handling skills to create a killer crossover, then just add the crossover to your shot.

Release in front of your head, as it gives better arc to your shot. Shooting above the head will result in a very flat shot.

People may shoot three pointers either because they are trying to rack up points quickly, or because they get open shots.

If you're small and can't make it to the basket, work on lots of ball handling to get around your opponents and get that easy layup. Getting around your defenders can also make open spots for your teammates.

Jumping forward instead of upward reduces stability of your entire body. You may jump forward if you think you are able to make the shot, since everyone has different techniques to shooting. There isn't a "right" way to shoot a basketball.

Look at Stephen Curry, he's fairly short. You just have to put your arm at the right angle.

They do need to be somewhat strong, but regular practice will help build up the muscles you need.

It depends on the situation. You can make plays like pick-and-roll to get more space, then you can shoot threes.

Square your feet to the basket approximately shoulder width apart, with your strong foot (shooting hand side) slightly in front of your weak foot.

Fake out the defender by quickly raising the ball like you're going to shoot. They will jump, and then you jump and shoot when they are coming down. If you get fouled, then just make your best shot. Either that or you can pass to an open target or do a crossover and then pass.

Try some push ups using only your fingertips. That should help you gain more power in your shot.

Jump and lead with whichever foot feels more comfortable to you. Ordinarily, a right-handed shooter would jump with their left foot.

This more efficiently transfers the power from your legs all the way up to the ball. So yes, it does increase range.

Because you would be more likely to miss it. If you shoot properly, you could get fouled and then take closer shots at the free throw line.

You can tire the defender out (if you have lots of stamina), or fake and look for the best options and then shoot the 3.

You should practice shooting at far ranges for this very purpose. First, make the shot after taking one step back. Then take another step back and make the shot again. Continue doing this as much as you need to until you feel comfortable making long-range shots.

Your target should be the front part of the rim since, when you're shooting from the corners, you can't see/use the backboard.

Hold the ball with your fingertips, place it near the palm. Go straight up, don't overthink.

You want to relax the weaker hand and flick with the shooting hand and hold that same position until the ball goes in the basket. Look at NBA players and how they hold their follow through.

Try practicing by yourself just using one hand with the other at your side to begin with. Then, you can take that hand and put it on the ball but just hold it lightly until perfected!

Build up your arm strength and then try again; you can find lots of arm workouts online. You could also work on your ball-handling skills so you can get around other players for an easy lay-up.

Yes, it can. There is not an exact way to jump when shooting, but it's better to jump upward.